The 20th seed is famous for his racket-smashing antics and even left himself with blood streaming down his face once after hitting himself in the forehead.

However, Murray, who is the overwhelming favourite for the clash, insists that the 31-year-old is a completely different character off the court.

"He's actually a very nice guy," Murray told London24. "His coach is a really good guy, too, it's a pretty cool relationship they've got. They've been working together since he was really young so it's good.

"It's a tough match, he likes the grass. Players who are used to playing on the clay courts don't tend to move as well on grass, they tend to struggle a bit when you get them on the run, whereas the guys that move well on the grass and are used to the surface, they can get themselves out of tough positions on the court and they can extend the rallies a little bit longer.

"They tend to hit the ball a bit flatter so it doesn't sit up as much and that's why it's tough."

The Russian finished runner-up at the Wimbledon warm-up event in Halle two weeks ago after losing narrowly to Roger Federer in the final.